I chose to pursue a trade career because I believe in creating something real, something that lasts. While many people feel pressured to attend a four-year college, I’ve always known that path wasn’t for me. I wanted something hands-on, something I could take pride in every single day. When I joined the NCCER construction program and began learning carpentry, I felt like I had found what I was meant to do. It just made sense. I didn’t have to sit in a lecture to feel like I was learning I was building, measuring, solving problems, and gaining real skills that I could apply immediately. To me, trade careers are just as important as any degree-based profession. Without skilled tradespeople, communities can’t grow. Construction, plumbing, and electrical work are the backbone of every neighborhood. These jobs build the homes people live in, the schools they learn in, and the businesses they depend on. I want to be a part of that foundation. My goal isn’t just to work in construction—I want to own my own construction company one day. I want to manage projects, develop housing complexes, and help shape the spaces where people live their lives. One of the biggest reasons I’m so motivated is because of my family—especially my mom. She’s married to my dad, but he’s been absent for most of my life. She’s the one who raised me, supported me, and taught me what it means to keep going even when things aren’t easy. I watched her take care of everything by herself, and it inspired me to step up, be independent, and chase after a future that means something. She showed me the value of hard work and how important it is to stand on your own. That’s exactly what I plan to do through this career. In the construction field, I know I’ll face challenges. Being a young woman in a male-dominated industry means I’ll probably have to work twice as hard to earn respect and prove myself. I’m okay with that. I’m used to being underestimated, but I’ve never let that stop me before. I plan to keep learning, stay focused, and let my work speak for itself. I want to be the kind of person who leads by example—on the job site and in my community. Long-term, I want to use my skills to build more than just homes. I want to build opportunities. I want to give people safe, affordable housing in neighborhoods that often get overlooked. I want to create jobs, train the next generation, and show others—especially young girls like me—that success doesn’t only come from a college degree. It comes from passion, purpose, and putting in the work. Choosing a trade was the best decision I could’ve made. It gave me direction, purpose, and the tools to change not just my life—but the lives of others around me.

My passion for construction started with my grandfather. He worked in the construction industry before he passed away, and even though I didn’t get the chance to learn directly from him, I’ve always felt a connection to the field because of him. I grew up hearing stories about his work ethic, how he could build almost anything, and how proud he was of the things he created. That made a big impact on me. It felt like a legacy was passed down, and I’ve carried it with me ever since. That spark turned into a real passion when I joined the NCCER construction program and chose the carpentry path. I loved learning how to use tools, follow blueprints, and work on something that starts from nothing and turns into something real. The more I learned, the more I realized that I didn’t just want to be involved in construction—I wanted to lead in it. I became especially interested in project management, and now I have my sights set on running my own construction company one day. The other person who has deeply influenced me is my mother. She’s a strong woman who’s done everything she can to support me, even when she didn’t have much help. She’s married to my father, but he’s been absent most of my life, so she had to carry the weight on her own. Watching her work hard without complaining showed me the kind of strength and determination I want to live by. Everything I do now is not just for my future, but also to make her proud and give back to her for everything she’s done for me. What excites me most about this career is the impact I can make. I want to do more than just build houses—I want to create communities. My dream is to start my own construction business, where I design and build entire housing complexes. But I’m not just in it for the money—I want to make sure people in underserved areas have access to safe, affordable, and beautiful homes. I want to be the CEO that builds with heart, putting people first while still delivering quality work. Construction is more than a career path to me—it’s a way to build my future, honor my past, and help others along the way. I’m driven, focused, and ready to learn everything I can to be the best in the field. I believe I was meant for this, and I plan to make a difference one project, one home, and one neighborhood at a time.

Construction has always felt like more than just a career—it’s part of who I am. My grandfather worked in the construction industry before he passed away, and even though I didn’t get to learn everything from him directly, I believe that passion was passed down to me. When I entered the NCCER construction program and focused on carpentry, everything started to click. I enjoyed the hands-on work, but I also started learning about different roles in the field. That’s when project management caught my attention. I liked the idea of overseeing an entire process—from planning to the final build. What really draws me to construction is the ability to create something that makes people happy. Whether it’s a house, a building, or a whole community, I love the idea of making something real and lasting. That’s what motivates me to push harder. One day, I want to own my own company and lead the development of full housing complexes. I want to be the CEO, managing projects, building homes, and helping families find places to call their own. My journey hasn’t always been easy. I was raised by a strong mother who’s married to my father, but he hasn’t really been around. Watching her handle so much on her own pushed me to step up and find my own path. I’ve always been determined, hardworking, and a go-getter. When I see something, I want, I go after it with everything I have. Construction is more than a job to me—it’s a future I’m building for myself and for the people around me. I’m ready to put in the work, learn everything I can, and turn this passion into a career that makes a real difference.